Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)

This 15-minute side dish will brighten up any plate. This recipe is kicked up with Southwestern flair that’s a little smoky from the cumin and poblano chile. Instead of instant Spanish rice, try this recipe the next time your family is craving fajitas, tacos, or enchiladas.

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Not-Quite-Refried Beans

photo by Clive Streeter via getty images

Not-Quite-Refried Beans
RecipePeople think beans are boring. And they can be! But these beans are cooked down with smashed garlic and a knob of butter and a hearty splash of hot sauce. They're like refried beans, without the lard or the time commitment. They're super inexpensive, and you probably have everything that you need for them in your pantry already.

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Spanish Chorizo Corn Cakes

Caitlin Bensel

Spanish Chorizo Corn Cakes
RecipeIs there any time of day when a pancake isn't welcome at the table? These sweet and savory cakes are a scrumptious choice for breakfast, dinner, or a quick snack on the go. Keep warm and toasty by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.

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Fiesta Chicken and Carrot Rice

This quick-cooking chicken dish comes together in a single skillet, cutting back on cleanup time, and helping get dinner onto the table with a minimum of fuss. It also happens to be delicious, and a family favorite among even the pickiest of kids. Gina Homolka is the founder of skinnytaste.com and @skinnytaste.

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Citrus-Cilantro Salsa

Salsa gets a kick thanks to the addition of red grapefruit, navel oranges, and pomegranate anrils. Cilantro doesn't always appear in salsa, but here, paired with the tart fruits, it creates an explosive flavor that's equally good as a dip and a garnish. Lime juice, red onion and chopped jalapeño bring everything together.

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Easy Oven Rice

For anyone who’s ever struggled with cooking rice on the stovetop (and no, it’s not just you…), this easy oven rice recipe is for you. Say hello to your new foolproof method for perfect, fluffy rice—every time. The only real “tricks” to nailing this baked rice recipe are avoiding over-stirring and fighting the urge to “peek” while the rice is cooking.

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Watermelon Salsa

This watermelon salsa is bright, acidic, and fruity. Thanks to a soak in cold water, the raw onion has a much milder flavor. Meanwhile, the lime juice and zest balance out the watermelon’s sweetness. We love this as a dip, but it’s also fantastic over grilled fish or in fish tacos, and it only takes 15 minutes to whip up.

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Easy Smoky Black Beans

Victor Protasio

Easy Smoky Black Beans
RecipeSince everything else in this menu requires a bit more of your attention, it's good to have one dish that's simple to prepare. These gussied-up canned beans get a savory flavor boost from garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, then a finishing touch of lime juice and cilantro adds freshness.

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Black Bean and Corn Salad

Sara Gray

Black Bean and Corn Salad
RecipeOur super easy Black Bean and Corn Salad utilizes pantry and freezer staples like balsamic vinegar, canned black beans, and frozen corn into a dish that works as an appetizer, dip, or side dish.

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Fried Pickled Jalapeños with Sour Cream Ranch

Meredith Food Studios

Fried Pickled Jalapeños with Sour Cream Ranch
RecipeIf you like fried pickles, you’ll love fried pickled jalapeños. These jalapeños have a light kick without being overly spicy. Plus, they’re tangy from the brine and packed with flavor thanks to taco seasoning. They’re delicious on their own, but dipping them in the sauce takes things up a notch.

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Grilled Corn Pasta Salad

Grilled Corn Pasta Salad
RecipeThis vibrant, flavor-packed summer side dish combines a bounty of favorite seasonal flavors into a single, epic pasta salad. The recipe comes from our friends The Food Gays, and they developed this colorful grilled corn dish as a fresher, brighter alternative to the typical mayo-based pasta salads that often show up a summer parties.